Page 52 of The Bear's Mail Order Mate

“Sure thing,” Leo said, scribbling a number onto a scrap of paper. “Tell him I recommended you. He’ll be thrilled at the chance to run a place from day one.”

“Perfect,” Cassia said.

Yes, life was just about perfect.

Chapter Nineteen – Kris

Kris stood back, brushing the plaster dust from his hands, and admired the newly smoothed wall. It still needed a final coat of paint, but for now, he was satisfied. Keeping his hands busy had been a good distraction, a way to keep himself from dwelling on how much he wanted to be alone with his mate. Every time he stopped to catch his breath or realign a panel, his thoughts drifted back to Cassia. Her soft sighs, the taste of her lips, the way she molded against him like they’d been made for each other. He swallowed, heat flaring low in his belly.

Smiling to himself, he let his shifter senses roam. After they’d returned from their visit to his uncle and aunt’s restaurant, his mom had invited Cassia to help her pick out tablecloths and silverware for the new restaurant. It meant they had been apart for a couple of hours or more.

Probably a good thing,he mused. If she’d been in the barn with him, he doubted he could’ve resisted making love to her right then and there.

He glanced at the wall again, nodding in approval, before gathering up his tools. He took them to the outdoor tap and cleaned them off, then splashed cold water on his face. The shock of it cleared some of the heat from his cheeks but did nothing for his heated thoughts.

Cassia was right,his bear teased.You’re a little hot.

Maybe we should cool off under the trees,Kris replied, an idea sparking in his mind. A quiet trip to the stream near the top of the vineyard, just him and Cassia… That was exactly what they needed.

He dried his tools, put them neatly in the toolbox, and made his way out of the barn, stepping into the late afternoon sun.Yeah, a picnic near the stream sounds about perfect.On impulse, he detoured through the tasting room, grabbing a couple of bottles of the wine he’d blended the night Finn had drafted that ad. That same ad that had—strangely, wonderfully—brought Cassia into his life.

Fate,his bear rumbled softly.

No doubt,Kris agreed, holding the bottles to his chest and heading toward the house. He could sense Cassia even more clearly now. He could hear her laughter, her voice interspersed with his mom’s as they talked. Only a few days ago, a moment like this had been a dream. Now it was their reality.

Climbing the porch steps two at a time, Kris swung open the door. As he stepped inside the kitchen, his gaze was instantly drawn to Cassia, who had her head bent over a stack of tablecloths while Leanne gestured at something. As if sensing him, Cassia glanced up, giving him a coy smile that tightened every muscle in his body until he felt like a coiled spring, ready to launch.

“Finished for the day?” Leanne asked, her gaze lingering on the wine bottles tucked under his arm.

“Yeah,” Kris said, walking over to the fridge. “I, um, thought we could walk up to the stream, and share a glass or two.” He deposited the bottles on a shelf and closed the fridge door, fighting the grin tugging at his mouth.

Leanne cocked an eyebrow at him. “Well, that sounds like an offer you can’t refuse,” she teased.

“It does,” Cassia agreed, her fingers lightly resting on a stack of fabric samples. “Once we finish up here.” He imagined her fingers trailing across his skin, and his heart skipped a beat.

“Great,” he said, backing out of the kitchen. “I’m gonna grab a shower. Take your time.” He caught the heated look in Cassia’s eyes as her gaze traveled over his body. The same look she’d given him that morning.

A powerful wave of longing built up inside of him. If only they could take that shower together…but he doubted Cassia would join him when Leanne was in the house.

We need a place of our own,his bear said with a huff.

Right?Kris shot back wryly, as he turned his back on his mom and his mate and bounded up the stairs. As much as he loved living at home, it was far from private. Neither was the guest house Cassia was staying at. He loved his aunt and uncle dearly, but he also did not want his and Cassia’s every movement relayed back to the rest of the family. The only secluded corner they could steal was the barn. And eventhatwas risky, with family members coming and going.

We’re going to have to leave home,his bear said.

We’re certainly old enough,Kris replied lightly.

He showered quickly, the hot easing away any lingering muscle stiffness from his day’s work. But no amount of scrubbing erased the flickering images in his mind. Cassia’s parted lips, her soft moans, the arch of her back as he drove her over the edge… The thought alone had him half-ready to jump out of the shower and take her to his bed right now.

Cool it,his bear rumbled with amusement.You’ve got your plan.

Yeah,Kris snorted inwardly.If I don’t combust first.He finished his shower, toweled off, and then dressed in casual jeans and a fresh T-shirt. After dragging a comb through his hair, he hurried back downstairs, where he found Cassia alone in the kitchen, reorganizing a small collection of fabric samples. At the sight of him, her whole expression brightened, and Kris felt that tension inside him coil tighter. She straightened, resting a hand on a wicker basket he recognized instantly. It was the same one they had used for childhood picnics, barbecues, or any sort of family outing.

“Your mom insisted on making us a picnic dinner,” Cassia said, patting the basket. “Thinks we’ll need sustenance, I guess.”

His bear let out a purr of approval.We do need our strength,he quipped, and Kris nearly laughed out loud.

Oh, we will,Kris said.

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